SA agricultural exports up 10% in Q3

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In this week’s segment, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo reflects on South Africa’s agricultural trade for the third quarter of 2023.

South Africa's agricultural trade data paint an encouraging picture, although the sector continues to struggle with poor roads network and inefficiencies in some rail networks and ports.
On the latter, there are promising discussions between Transnet and the agricultural industry focused on improving efficiencies and exploring co-investment options in some areas at ports. This will be a long-term endeavour, but its success will be meaningful for the export-oriented South African agricultural sector.
In the third quarter of this year, South Africa's exports of agriculture (food, fibre and beverages) amounted to US$3,7 billion, up 10% year-on-year (y/y). The significant factors underpinning this export value are the sizeable agricultural output in the 2021/22 production season and the higher commodity prices.
Citrus, maize, nuts, wine, apples and pears, sugar, fruit juices, berries, soybeans and wool were among the critical products exported in the third quarter.

Credit:

Production by Lwandiso Gwarubana, Richard Humphries, and Sam Mkokeli
11 Dec 2022 English South Africa Investing · Food

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